This was a single-level elevator connecting to the very bottom of the building.
It opened onto a vast underground plaza. Aside from the incandescent lights on the ceiling, there were only a few metal mannequins lined up against one wall and some relatively inexpensive equipment.
This area was specifically reserved for weapons and equipment testing. This time, it would be used to test Solomon Grundy's combat capabilities.
"I'm starting," said Mr. Freeze, pulling out a tablet-like power device and turning to Hardy.
"Go ahead," Hardy nodded.
With permission granted, Mr. Freeze pressed a button on the tablet.
In an instant, currents surged from the chains into Solomon Grundy, absorbed by his body.
The injuries from his previous battle with Hardy, as well as the incision in his chest from the modification, began to heal at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Hardy's eyes narrowed slightly. He extended his hand toward Solomon Grundy and unleashed a Lightning Release ninjutsu.
"Lightning Release: Thunder Serpent."
Fine blue arcs of electricity formed into several slender thunder serpents, which slithered over to Solomon Grundy and, along with the other currents, were absorbed by his body.
"Cellular activity increasing, cardiopulmonary function activating, brain function activating…" Viktor removed the tinted visor from his Freeze Armor helmet to avoid being blinded by the dazzling light, all while monitoring the data on his tablet.
After a while, the electric arcs faded, and Hardy stopped channeling Lightning Release.
*Clank!*
The iron chains were released, and Solomon Grundy's towering figure stood up.
He didn't recite his usual chilling nursery rhyme—"Born on a Monday, christened on a Tuesday…"—upon resurrection. He simply stood there in silence.
"Looks like it worked."
As Hardy spoke, he extended his hand, sending chakra threads to connect with Solomon Grundy.
His cells now conducted chakra much better than before. Clearly, infusing his own Lightning Release chakra during the revival had not been in vain.
A panel popped up, displaying Solomon Grundy's stats.
[Puppet Name]: Solomon Grundy
[Overall Parameters]:
Height: 3.22 meters
Weight: 588.95 kilograms
Materials: Biological tissue, titanium alloy, synthetic fibers…
Energy Source: Heart (electric, bioenergy)
Control Methods: Chakra threads, remote electrical signals
[Puppet Rating]: A-
[Overall Evaluation]: Heavy assault combat puppet. A fusion of modern engineering and puppet techniques, this human puppet boasts immense strength, defense, and regenerative abilities. After modification, it is equipped with firearms, granting it extraordinary destructive power.
"Should we test Grundy's combat strength?" Mr. Freeze looked from Solomon Grundy to the White Samurai standing behind Hardy, his interest piqued.
"Sure."
Although the panel's simulation had already given Hardy an idea of Grundy's power, he still wanted to test it firsthand.
He withdrew the chakra threads from Solomon Grundy and connected them to the White Samurai, instantly covering himself with the samurai's various modules.
Mr. Freeze pressed another button on his tablet, sending Solomon Grundy walking toward an open area.
"Ready?"
Seeing Hardy, now in control of the White Samurai, standing opposite Solomon Grundy, Mr. Freeze asked excitedly.
"Of course."
"Then here I go!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Solomon Grundy charged at Hardy in silence, swinging his fist.
"Ninja Art: Mechanized Shield!"
A deep blue aura of chakra emanated from the White Samurai's arm, forming a shield of light that solidly blocked Grundy's powerful punch.
The White Samurai was unharmed, but still forced back several steps by the tremendous force.
Hardy noted the chakra consumption for the shield and nodded in satisfaction.
Impressive. In terms of raw strength, Grundy now surpassed the White Samurai, even with its pneumatic compression system.
This was far stronger than when Penguin had revived him with electricity alone.
That was because Hardy and Viktor had installed a motor system inside Solomon Grundy, further enhancing his already formidable strength.
However…
There is always a trade-off: while Solomon Grundy's strength was enhanced, his already massive weight increased further, resulting in a noticeable reduction in his speed and agility.
Although he was certainly faster than an ordinary person, he seemed somewhat lacking when standing before the White Samurai.
In this situation, there was no need to use super speed. Simply relying on pneumatic acceleration combined with Hardy's own mastery of puppet control, he was able to easily evade the Solomon Grundy under Mr. Freeze's control, leaving Grundy utterly disoriented.
"Walter, test its defensive capabilities."
Mr. Freeze called out to Hardy.
"Alright."
The White Samurai raised his arm and fired two small high-explosive rockets, locking onto Solomon Grundy.
"Boom!"
A violent explosion rang out, but Solomon Grundy was completely unscathed—except for the pair of underwear he wore for modesty, which was blown to shreds. Otherwise, there was no change at all.
"Damn, bigger than a donkey."
Faced with this eye-searing sight, Hardy had the White Samurai activate the high-voltage electric sword on his right arm.
"Breath of Separation, Fourth Form: Scattered Rainfall!"
Blades of plasma radiating intense heat shot out, instantly leaving charred marks all over Solomon Grundy's body.
They failed to break through his defenses—or perhaps they did, but only managed to scrape off a thin layer, which then healed almost instantly thanks to Grundy's formidable regenerative abilities.
"Breath of Separation, Second Form: Flowing Dance!"
"Breath of Separation, First Form: Ionic Slash!"
Two brilliant blue flashes streaked by as the high-voltage electric sword struck Solomon Grundy's neck.
The sword techniques of the Breathing Styles were designed to target demons, meaning they were effective against both humanoid and non-humanoid creatures. Many demons, like Solomon Grundy, possessed massive, humanoid forms.
Whether for offense, defense, or disruption, the ultimate goal of these sword techniques was always to decapitate the opponent, with extremely high single-point burst power. Even in the world of ninja, when enhanced with chakra, these techniques could hold their own against most taijutsu, with only the Hell Stab of the Cloud Village's Raikage line being notably superior.
In fact, the Breathing Styles were particularly effective against creatures like Solomon Grundy—those with exceptional strength, regeneration, and defense.
The Breath of Separation, which Hardy developed based on Wind, Thunder, and Sun Breathing, was no exception.
...
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